My computer is about 6 years old. It has a Pentium III 800mHz processor, GeForce FX 5200 video card, 20 G hard drive, and 512 Mb RAM. It runs Windows 98. Up until recently, it has worked fine, and I have been able to adventure game to my heart's content (which I have been doing since the 70's when I first played "Adventure" on a mainframe computer).

Alas, the newest games coming out will not run. I either need XP (Myst V), a DVD drive (Myst IV), or a larger processor (And then there were none).

So I am going to relace my home computer. How do I know what to get to fulfill my gaming needs for the next 5 years? I also have an extensive collection of games now that I may want to re-play one day. Will I be able to do that on a new computer?

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"Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." (Sign hanging in Einstein's office at Princeton)

First of all I would keep and maintain your existing system if you plan to play older games. There may be ways to run those games under Windows XP but I think it would be easier to just keep the old system if possible.

As far as buying a computer to take you out the next 5 years - that may or may not happen. The way these games are being designed there's no guarantee today's technology, software and hardware, will work on games 5 years from now.

All you can do is look at what's out there from a financial and application viewpoint. In other words, what do you see yourself using the computer for beside games.

There are some super gaming computers out there but they may have more than you might need or want. I found that PC magazines, such as PC World, do a fairly good job of rating new computers and should also provide information as far as how satisfied users are with their PCs.

If you've been following computers over the last several years you would find that some of the manufacturers that once were considered the best haven't been doing as well recently when it comes to customer satisfaction - that's why I think it's a good idea to check out information in a magazine such as PC World.

Just some thoughts, sorry I couldn't be more specific but this can be a very tricky area when it comes to recommending a new computer.

The one thing that does come to mind, if you're planning on keeping the computer for quite a while, is to look for a computer that can be readily upgraded as that would give you more flexibility.

I would also keep the old computer as is and start from scratch with a new one. It is quite possible and probable, imo, to get one that can get you through the next 5 years. Extra bays, 4 dimms and a good fast processor with enough wattage and power to add memory and newer video cards should do it.

My personal recommendation would be Dell. I've had numerous Dells both at home and at work and never a problem. My 4/5 year old one is still fast enough and runs well enough to do everything I want it to and still has expansion room.

Oh, and of course, as suggested, do your research!

Good luck and have fun choosing all those yummy components!

Melanie

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"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

Hi, I also own a Dell computer and have been very satisfied with the performance of my machine. One major issue I have is with Dell customer service and technical support. Frankly, it's the worst I've experienced. This is something you may consider in your decision when you are ready to spend your money.

This post reminds me to ask regarding the Old/New Game problem, has anyone tried partitioning one of these new 160-plus GB hard drives and put Windows 98 on say, 20GB of it to run only older games? My nephew partitioned his to dual boot to Windows Xp and Linux. I don't know what problems or hassles are involved with this sort of a setup, but if it works it would seem to be the best of both worlds on one PC. Maybe it comes down to the slow-down-the processor/sound/video thing. I don't know, but thought it could't hurt to ask.

I Hi,I have successfully run Win 98 and Win XP with a partitioned drive. The trick is to load the Windows 98 first, then the XP. You then have a dual bootup and a screen which asks you which you want to load. The only down side that I find is that start up is slower due to drivers being on different partitions. If you can live with that its much less hassle than trying to get the XP compatibility to work (I have not managed yet).

Right now I can't tell you where I read it but one of Microsoft's statements about having XP and Win98 on the same computer stated you should boot to the Win98. Don't know why but if I find that info or URL I'll come back with it later.

EDIT:O.K., either I was wrong or things have changed. Either way, HERE is Microsoft's links to info on dual booting.

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I didn't do it......and if I did I'm not guilty!

Originally posted by Ou Vrou:I have successfully run Win 98 and Win XP with a partitioned drive. The trick is to load the Windows 98 first, then the XP. You then have a dual bootup and a screen which asks you which you want to load. The only down side that I find is that start up is slower due to drivers being on different partitions.

I don't know why your startup is slower, but Windows 98 does not use XP drivers and XP does not use Win 98 drivers. Win 98 would use Win 98 drivers, which would all be on the partition where you have Win 98 installed. And XP would use XP drivers located on the XP partition. It takes time for the boot menu to load, but once I've chosen which system to boot I've never had the boot take any longer in dual boot than in a similar spec computer with a single boot.

I would recommend a Dell as well if you are not into building your own or upgrading parts. Dell tends to use non standard cases and motherboards etc so that upgradability is limited. But you sound like you want the "same" computer for 5 years.Also, watch this site Techbargains for Dell deals. Dell changes their promotion every month it seems and they frequently have hundreds of dollars off a purchase.